Ahead of the trip to St Johnstone, we pondered whether or not Steven Gerrard would opt for change in formation in the search for goals.
He didn’t. At least, not from the start.
However, with nearly an hour gone at McDiarmid park, Rangers didn’t look like scoring. In reaction to that and a goal deficit, the manager brought on Kyle Lafferty for Lassana Coulibaly.
Coulibaly’s put himself about, but he simply doesn’t have enough quality in the final third to play behind the striker.
Lafferty changed the game
The Northern Ireland international’s introduction and the subsequent switch to 4-4-2, changed the match completely.
Morelos was freed up by the introduction of a strike partner. Before that, he had got very little joy out of St Johnstone’s resolute centre-backs.
Lafferty himself failed to score, but he fell victim to excellent saves and last ditch clearances.
Most notably, it was his strong hold-up play which created the telling opportunity in the dying embers of the match.
His cushioned header found Tavernier, who picked out Morelos. El Buffalo then did what he does best.
Looking ahead to Hibs, surely Gerrard will stick with 4-4-2. His side need goals and they posed a much greater threat as soon as they switched to two up top on Sunday.
Unlike at Easter Road, if Lafferty is there, Ambrose and Porteous can’t double up on Morelos.
It may leave the Gers a little more exposed at the back, but it gives them the best chance of breaking down Neil Lennon’s side.
This one could be an open affair and the result is highly significant. Gerrard’s men need confidence ahead of the Old Firm.
